Cycling in Dublin Free Summer 2012

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Future of CyCling • Cargo BikeS • Cycling myths • Beginners’ Guide 2 | NEWS SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 NEWS | 3 Guidlines only adopted after repairs

Design guidelines costing nearly safer and more attractive to cyclists. er Dublin Area must, under law, now Most of the so-called Dublin “cy- “Little or no progress” €250,000 and aimed at making roads Mike McKillen, spokesman for have regard for the manual. cling network”, which includes cycle safer for cyclists were set aside on a Dublin Cycling Campaign, said: “If The NTA said with projects it is and bus lanes, is now substandard technicality for €22 million resurfac- the manual represents best practice, funding outside the Dublin area, it will compared to the designs in the man- ing works to 24km of roads in Dublin. whether it’s legally in force or not, they link the manual to funding, and has ual. Minimum standards were ignored Officials from the National Trans- should have adopted best practice.” “suggested” the Department of Trans- with the recent resurfacing undertaken port Authority (NTA) defended the “The city had €18 million to do the port does the same. late last year and into the new year. disregarding of their own guidelines, road resurfacing, that’s a huge amount Asked why following manual was Dublin City Council said the works with complex junctions, the National Cycle Manual, while cy- of money and not to get cycling right… not a funding requirement for the re- followed the “first principles” of the cling campaigners called it “an appall- it’s an appalling sign for the future” paving works when nearly €20 million manual. A spokesman said: “The first ing sign for the future.” A spokeswoman for the NTA said: of the funding came from the NTA, the principles of the document have been The manual was published at cycle- “In relation to the Dublin City re-sur- authority repeated that the manual had followed, by eliminating defects in the manual.ie early last year and was avail- facing project, the design, tendering not been formally adopted. road surface, there is improved safety able to road authorities before this, but and carrying out of this work predated The National Cycle Policy says “it for cyclists.” one-way streets - report the NTA said the resurfacing did not the formal adoption of the NTA Cycle is clear that the cycling infrastructure “The cycle network in Dublin has have to follow the manual because the Design Manual.” that has been constructed to date is evolved in line with the legislation that “work predated the formal adoption” She said the board of the NTA often of a poor standard and is poorly was in force at the time of construc- Dublin City has seen “a definite im- of the manual. agreed to formally adopt the manual maintained”, the design manual is sup- tion. The NTA Cycle Manual was not provement” for cycling in the last five The document, which has taken on December 9, under powers in the posed to address these problems and adopted until after completion of the years, an independent report says, but seven years to complete, sets out de- Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. “reflect best international practice and resurfacing project. The project re-in- it warns that targets will not be met if tailed guidelines on making streets It means local authorities in the Great- the latest thinking.” stated the existing road markings.” the momentum is not stepped up. It highlights how one-way streets and large junctions are not being tackled. The Bypad report written for Dub- Dublin Bikes lin City Council was finalised earlier this year, but was not reported on until trips passes now. “The concise conclusion from the 2011 Bypad audit is that there has been 3.5m mark a definite improvement in the quality of the cycling policy in the last 5 years Dublin City Council’s highly popu- which included the appointment of lar bike rental system has clocked Ireland’s first Cycling Officer,” the re- up over 3.5 million rentals. port said. “However, cycling needs to The long-term hire subscrip- be taken far more seriously as a core tions have now reached over part of urban transport policy than it 45,600, while the council has sold currently is.” more than 31,200 three day tickets It called Dub- which are aimed mostly at tourists lin Bikes an “un- and other visitors to the city. doubted major

Follow: @cyclingindublin Follow: Meanwhile, a spokesman for the success story” council said that for the first phase and welcomed of major expansion, including the the 30km/h Docklands and around the Hues- speed limit in

I nDublin.com Visit: Cycling ton Station are, they “anticipate the city centre, that construction will commence but said pro- before the end of 2012.” gress is “insuf- The plan, the council says, in- ficiently” quick cludes doubling the number of bike for the targets Slow movement on changing Dublin’s large one-way streets was criticised by the report Image: Google Street View. stations from 44 to about 100 and in the govern- trebling the number of bikes from ment’s national 550 to around 1,500. After that the cycle policy to city wants to get to 5,000 bikes. An be achieved. “ B o t h tions “are highlighted by cyclists as ficiently cycle-friendly”. Eoghan Mad- but it kind of went slow” because of ambitious strategy aims for the ser- The cycle of these the most intimidating locations on den, a senior engineer at Dublin City planning for Metro North and Luas, vice to expand from as far as DCU policy calls for elements the city’s road network” and the city’s Council, said the point on the lack of but said that “there should be a prior- on the northside to close to UCD cycling to account o f the road net- multi-lane one-way street systems “re- progress on one-way systems was “A ity attach to them” - solutions such as on the southside. for at least 10% of all trips taken na- work – the [large, complex] quire cyclists to take long detours and / fair comment.” contra-flow cycle lanes, which allow See more on page 14 tionally by 2020 – it is widely viewed junctions and the one-way or weave across several lanes of (some- Madden says: “One way streets are cyclists to go legally on otherwise one- by transport planners that for the na- streets - were highlighted in times fast-moving) motorized traffic.” not something we’re into doing any- way streets. tional target to be met that Dublin the 2007 BYPAD audit but It also said that while there is now more. They tend to work from a car The National Transport Author- would need to reach a level of 20-25%. there has been little or no over 200km of “cycling infrastructure” point of view because they generate ity said that the repaving, which was The report highlights that there has progress in addressing these in the city, “There is a still a percep- capacity and longer links for stacking focused on bus corridors, improved been “little or no progress in address- two major issues since then”, tion amongst users that… many of [traffic], but from a cyclist’s or pedes- conditions for cyclists but it was com- ing” the issue of large junctions and the 2012 report said. It said the routes used by cyclists are not of a trian’s point of view they are not great.” pleted after the report. “We have to do” quays one-way streets since the last report. the large and complex junc- sufficiently high quality / are not suf- He says that “it’s not off the agenda Also see page 16. route - senior engineer Cycle track law to be revoked Legislation to revoke the rule which expected to be enacted shortly.” mum passing distance of 1.5m when a A high quality cycle route on the quays which changes the quays is likely to be from a workshop last year hosted by westbound buses onto bus prior- forces cyclists to use a cycle track re- “Provision for the removal of the motorist is overtaking a cyclist – the is “something we have to do” a senior highly contentious with motorists. Dublin City Council and the Dutch ity measures on College Green, Dame gardless of its condition is in the pro- mandatory use of cycle lanes is being measure had been called for by cycling engineer with Dublin City Council “We have a study going this year, Embassy in Dublin, with help from Street and Christchurch before rejoin- cess of being finalised, the Department provided for in the legislation, except campaigners. has said. hopefully to come back with a number Dutch cycling groups Fietsberaad and ing the quays after Christchurch. of Transport said. for contra-flow cycle lanes and cycle The national cycle policy says: “We Under the title “Liffey Cycle Route” of options and possibly a primarily de- the Dutch Cycling Embassy. However, at this point it is unclear The national cycle policy includes lanes in pedestrian areas,” she said. will revoke the Statutory Instrument council has allocated €150,000 for “de- sign by the end of the year,” Madden Engineers at the event came up what the new study will recommend - a commitment to remove the current You might do it everyday, but cur- that requires cyclists to use cycle tracks sign and commencement of construc- said “There’s obvious issues – there’s with a number of concepts, includ- it may have no link to the concepts. law, known as the “mandatory use” rently passing a car on the left often where they are provided It explains: tion of a high quality East-West city bus corridors, commercial premises ing options for moving both traffic Officials have strong backing to rule. That promise was originally made isn’t strictly legal - is seen as a legal grey the law is “unsatisfactory” because:: centre cycle route linking the IFSC in that need loading, there’s the widths and buses of the north quays – both look at the route given that it is in- by Noel Dempsey, the transport min- area. The department also is to change “(i) it is clear that the cycling infra- the east with Heuston Station and the of different quays” and that the size concepts also improved the route for cluded in the Dublin City Develop- ister in the last government, but has this to allow cyclists to undertake. structure that has been constructed to Phoenix Park in the west.” of the quays vary from wide sections buses. ment plan, agreed on by councillors been slow to be delivered. The rules of the road say you can date is often of a poor standard and is Talking about providing a high- to “barely two lanes and skinny little Both concept cycle route options and officials. Cyclists are currently required to “overtake on the left” only when: “You poorly maintained, and cyclists are re- quality cycle route on the quays, senior fo otp at h s .” use a two-way cycle track on the riv- The development plan says: “It is an use cycle lanes marked with the correct want to go straight ahead when the quired to use it;” engineer Eoghan Madden said: “That He added: “The Liffey is the prime erside of the north quays. The two objective of Dublin City Council: …To bicycle logo sign, but cyclists view this driver in front of you has moved out “(ii) it can force cyclists to be on cy- is something we have to do, realisti- corridor in Dublin, it should have cy- options start at the Phoenix Park / achieve the following critical linkages as unfair given the current state of the and signalled that they intend to turn cle tracks and (when they are planning cally it’s something we have to do.” cling facilities on it.” Heuston Station, and end at the Point. within the lifetime of the development country’s cycle lanes It’s understood right; You have signalled that you in- on continuing straight ahead) to be on The route would tie in with off-road Labour councillor Andrew Mon- The routes differ mainly in how traffic plan… To provide a continuous cycle- that a number of bodies including the tend to turn left, and when traffic in the inside of left-turning vehicles, in- cycle paths in the Phoenix Park and tague said, “I would love to see some and buses are managed at pinch points way connecting the Phoenix Park and RSA are against changing the law. both lanes is moving slowly and traffic cluding Heavy Goods Vehicles;” the canals route in the Docklands. progress on the quays but have not along the quays. Heuston Station to the proposed S2S A spokeswoman for the Depart- in the left-hand lane is moving more “(iii) if a group of cyclists (on a As Dublin Bikes expand to the seen any proposals – I hope something The first route option diverts mo- route along the city’s quays in consul- ment of Transport said: “Secondary quickly than the traffic in the right- weekend cycle for example) is using Docklands and Heuston Station, pres- positive comes out of it.” torists off the quays at two points. The tation with the Office of Public Works.” legislation to permit this is currently hand lane.” a road with an off-road cycle-track sure is likely to mount to provide the The design work which was allo- second route option reverts the south The route would link the Point with being finalised with the OPC (Office The department however said it alongside it, then they are required to East-West route, but any cycling route cated funding recently is a follow up quays to two-way traffic and diverts Smithfield, and Collins Barracks. of the Parliamentary Council) and is has no plan to implement a legal mini- use it – which is not practicable.” Law forcing cyclists to use cycle lanes to binned. Image: Cian Ginty FullPageCID_ol.pdf 1 13/06/2012 12:15

CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 THANK YOU | 5 Thank you! This newspaper would not have been possible if it was not for the kind support of the following people, groups and companies:

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supporters Freewheeling • DutchBikeShop.ie • GreenAer Squarewheel • Dublin Cycling Campaign • Fundit.ie Geoffrey Keating • Samuel Hamilton • Oisin O Nidh • Galwaycycling.org Ossian Smyth • Niall Moran • Don Reilly • Andrew Harkness

Catherine Humphreys • Damian Connon • Ciaran Cuffe • Willie White • Kate Heffernan • Paddy Cahill Bridget Fitzsimons • John Geoffrey Newman • Kevin Cannon • Declan Clifford • Roddy Flynn Ryan Meade • Stephen McBride • Richard Bloomfield • Andrew KIernan • Alan Appelbe David O’Connor• Siobhan O’Connor • Andrea Ceresoni • Paul Gargan • Ronan Byrne M Russell • Damian Bannon • Eoin Gray • Crohan OShea • David Clements • Patrick Costello Dawn Wheatley • Julian Friesel • Claire Breslin • Gavan Reilly • Conor Cahill • Muireann O’Dea Michael Pidgeon • David Johnson • Brid McGrath • John O’Sullivan • Dublin South East Green Party Damien O Tuama • Michael Dempsey Ruth Gallagher • Aisling Ryan • Nick Appleby • Catherine Brodigan • David Lambert • Piaras Kelly • Mike Glennon Simon McGarr • Liam Fallon • Avril Kennan • Stephen Coyne • Deadly Spot • Niall Farrell Special thanks to Leah and Finn 6 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 FEATURES | 7

Bryan Dobson TV news presenter “It’s the quickest way to get around. I suppose the advantage besides speed is predictability – I know if I head off now I’ll be there in 20 minutes, or whatever, and you’re not going to be stuck in traffic or waiting for a bus The other thing I like about it is Ciara Backwell that you get to see a bit of what is Communications and going on around the city, I cycle marketing executive mostly in the city. I meet people, stop at traf- “It makes me feel really good fic lights and people I know and and it’s a lot quicker than people I don’t know recognise Niall Cavanan driving. It’s more efficient in me and say, ‘oh, how are you Bri- Chartered secretary general because you’re not an’ or ‘hey, Dobo’ – I get a lot of paying the larger expenses social interaction out of it as well. It’s cheap and it’s quick. It’s a that you would be for a car. It does not rain as often as “ bit of fresh air. My commute by And I can jump on my bike and people think; Dublin is relatively ” bike is from Grand Canal Dock head on in and don’t need to flat within the canal area anyway to Ranelagh. think about parking. and traffic moves so slowly that I What Do I cycle from the bottom end don’t think it is much of a hazard.” of Rathmines up to Baggot Street, but I use my bike for leisure as well – so, into town to meet friends, all over the city really and out to my course in you like Tallaght. I’m addicted to cycling. Adrenaline is my favourite thing about cycling. The ease of use. The fresh air and the social aspect of cycling; you’re about out with other people, you’re not in your car boxed away. Cycling?

Eoghan Murphy TD Rebecca Burrell MD of a PR company “I enjoy cycling – it’s fun. Some of the public transport links “It’s improved an awful lot with aren’t brilliant so cycling is this new cycle path along the more convenient as well. I can Paul Turner canal. I come into work from see why people would be put Edwina Keown Works at Holles Street Terenure into Fitzwilliam Square off when they hear of the road Lecturer and since this new corridor has conditions – we’ve got some I cycle in and out of work to come in it’s brilliant, because good cycling infrastructure and It’s the quickest way to get plac- Holles Street; I do 10km a you’re away from the cars and some very poor stuff. There’s es. It makes me feel chilled, re- day. I’ve always cycled, and you can see the swans and the more and more cyclists now laxed and happy. It’s a healthy used to race but not now. The ducks. It’s so much quicker than and the more cyclists there are way, it’s good to be outdoors. I buzz you get from it is better sitting in a car. You keep fitter the safer its going to be – and commute from Baggot Street to than any artificially induced and see a lot more on a bike.” it actually is very safe.” Drumcondra and Marino. buzz – you feel really good and positive after it. CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 FEATURES | 9 Cycling as everyday transport makes a lot more sense for Dublin than you would think. Here’s why:

Freewheeling Bicycle Shop evolved from a desire for cyclists to look as fabulous as they feel while cycling.

Traffic congestion: The more people on TEN Stocking a ‘bespoke’ collection of bicycles and bikes, the more con- cycling accessories from all over the world, our gestion becomes less and less of a prob- bike shop aims to make your ride that little lem. Congestion is not just an inconven- more special. ience to motorists and bus users it has 1real costs due to loss of productivity, reasons health impacts and lowering the at- tractiveness of a city to investment and tourism. In 2010, IBM estimated that traffic Our brands include Giant, Jopo, Foffa, BSP, congestion in Dublin cost the econ- omy 4% of GDP – in other words, Bern, Knog, Nutcase and New Looxs. billions of euro. cycling is Some routes in Dublin remain con- gested even in the downturn. On other routes the perception is that roads are Open Monday – Saturday half as busy as they used to be, but traf- fic levels overall have not dropped as Full Repair Service much as it seems. Traffic engineers in the city coun- right for cil put this down to Dublin being so close to capacity for cars. When you’re so close to gridlock a little bit less or extra traffic can make a massive difference. With the population growth already recorded in the census, Dublin just can’t handle private cars as a major mode of transport. There isn’t Dublin the space. Speed and reliability: Distances are often overestimated by car Enjoyably: Sub- when the cost of filling the family car is port said that almost 100,000 people and public transport jective? Yes and no. “100,000 people so high, freedom from congestion, and drive 4km or less to work in Dublin Special Offers users, even moderate Many people freedom from searching for parking. and, of those, over 45,000 people drive cycling is faster than we inter- 2km or less. many people think v i e w e d drive 4km or less Distances: Taking the above mentioned aver- it is. For many journeys around Dub- for this There’s a lot of hype age speed of cyclists of 14km/h, a 4km 2lin or down to the shop it is the fastest paper to work in Dublin about the amount cycle should take around 17mins and 10% off all repairs and method. of people commut- a 7km cycle should take around a half Almost all short journeys are fast- talked of a ‘buzz’ when 4km is just ing long distances, hour. er by bike, and some longer journeys 3from cycling or but the census shows This isn’t rocket science: While cy- accessories* are faster due to traffic, or other rea- feeling fresher and there are now nearly cling may not suit every single person, sons such as the need to wait for a bus more relaxed – a 17mins cycle” 1.3m people living in it’s clear that a huge amount of trips or train. this isn’t thrill Co Dublin and over 0.5m alone living can be cycled. Cycling is one of the most reliable seekers getting a 4in the city council’s area. In Co Dublin, Free coffee with every forms of transport because congestion buzz from going 65% of people live under 10km from “The Irish has a tiny affect on cycling compared fast on the roads, their place of work or study – that in- weather”: The to how much it impacts on motorists the mental health cludes just under 40% who commute weather in Dublin is and even buses. If you cycle you usu- effects of even between 1-4km, and another 25% are generally compara- puncture repair* ally go door-to-door on a bicycle, so moderate cycling within the 5-9km range. ble to Copenhagen there’s no walking to or from a bus stop – as well as other City people have even shorter com- and Amsterdam, *Valid June 16th-24th with this advert or train station and no waiting around exercise – is well mutes. Over 76% of commuters travel both seen as cycling for late buses or trains, and no spend- documented less than 10km – 50% of trips are be- cities with cycling ing ages looking for parking. (see the next tween 1-4km and the other 26% of accounting for 40% of commuters. Because cycling is not affected by page). trips are between 5-9km. The popula- 5Average weather conditions from congestion, it’s surprisingly fast com- Cycling tion numbers are based on 2011 fig- BBC.co.uk shows both Copenhagen pared to taking the car. The depart- also offers ures, and while the distance figures are and Amsterdam have more ‘wet days’ ment of transport says: “Data from the freedom: Above: Cyclists based on 2006 data, it’s not likely that (+0.25 mm) than Dublin. 2006 Census reveals that, for journeys Freedom zoom past congest- the greater numbers of people living in Amsterdam and Dublin have com- 96 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 within the Dublin Canal Ring, cyclists from bus or ed traffic on the Dublin are travelling . much further. parable rain fall, while Copenhagen reached an average speed of 12km/h train timeta- Rathgar Road. Cut The actual figures for “the low has extremely cold weather and snow compared to just 15km/h for cars. For bles, freedom out: A cyclist on the hanging fruit” – those making very in the winter is the norm. Dublin is trips within the M50, the 2006 Census from the fear quays in the city short trips by car, many of which could sometimes noted as being windy, but 01-6773111 | www.freewheeling.ie reveals an average speed for cyclists of of making centre Cian Ginty be cycled – are even starker. From the so is Copenhagen. 14km/h compared to 18km/h for cars.” needless trips 2006 census, the department of trans- Continues on page 11 >>> 10 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 FEATURES | 11 Ten reasons why cycling is Cycling right for Dublin daily to

Continued from p9 >>> better Cost: For individuals, a good commuting bicycle can be picked up between €350 to €500, or a second hand bike can be bought for less. For commuters, the cost of a bicycle can be recouped in a matter of months, saving on fuel or public transport ticket costs. After that, the savings continue. Cycling is cheaper than public trans- port or driving. Parking is free and ongoing costs are a fraction of the maintenance and running costs of cars. But the costs for individuals are a minor consideration compared to 6the costs to the state. One of the main reasons the Dutch and Danes invested in cycling is simply because it costs less than providing public transport or providing for private cars. health Our road and public transport systems are subsidised. Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Luas are all heavily subsidised. While the Luas system had until recently been covering its operational costs, its construction and tram costs are heading towards €1.5 billion – that’s not to say Luas in Cycling to work or school is a great way of building activity general was not worth the investment, but that high quality cycling infra- into your daily life, writes Caroline Peppard structure costs a fraction of that to put in place and to maintain. Health: Regular exercise has physical and mental health benefits. Moderate exercise reduces levels of de- pression and stress – cycling is great for this as it can ealth and wellbeing The easiest way to meet these This causes concern for the future be done as part of your daily commute. Cycling also are two of the most recommendations is by building activ- health of our nation in particular for reduces the chances of heart disease, high blood pres- important resources ity into daily life, such as by switching our children. Low levels of physical sure, obesity and the most common form of diabetes. for a happy and ful- from the car to cycling. Leisure cycling activity can lead to overweight and It will increase fitness, and help with weight loss and filled life. Choosing or cycling to work is a good form of obesity which, as well as being a prob- maintaining a healthy weight. Cycling is not only good an active lifestyle is moderate physical activity and re- lem in itself can lead to other related for people’s health; the knock-on effect of having a healthier population one of the most important things we search has shown that switching from chronic health problems. It is estimat- 7lowers health care costs (see article left). Hcan do for our health. a car to a bike for a distance of 7.5kms ed that as a population our obesity lev- For most people the easiest and would enable a person to meet the rec- els have doubled over the past 30 years. More cyclists, less deaths: It may seem most acceptable way to do this is by ommendations. Because of the many health benefits strange, but researchers keep finding that when more choosing activities that can be eas- So, how active are we as a nation? of cycling and the associated cost sav- people cycle it leads to an increase in safety. Deaths ily incorporated into everyday life for We know that currently in Ireland 3 ings to health services, international and injuries do not increase – the amount of collisions example, cycling to work or school in- out of 4 adults and 4 out of 5 children researchers in the area of health eco- decline. Because of this researchers conclude: “Policies stead of driving or using the bike for are not active enough for good health. nomics have developed a system to that increase the numbers of people walking and bicy- short journeys. At first this might seem quantify the economic benefits. cling appear to be an effective route to improving the like a daunting task but when you do it The health economic assessment safety of people walking and bicycling.” once or twice it’s surprising how easy tool (HEAT) for cycling has been used A healthy heart During cycling, almost 70% of Cycling also actively provides Unscientifically: It seems this ‘safety in numbers’ effect has worked in and pleasant it can be. You can now in several countries and it suggests Apart from the most important the body weight is borne by the joint protection and reduces the 8Dublin in recent years. Counts by the city council show a 45% increase purchase a bike on the bike to work that considerable savings can be made Cycling: heart functions (heart rate and saddle and this makes it especially development of arthritis and other in the amount of cyclists entering Dublin city centre in the last five years scheme and start by cycling to work on by increasing population levels of cy- stroke volume), blood circulation suited for people who are over- joint disorders. Because all the and, around city centre, Dublin Bikes are a common sight on streets, but one day per week, for example. cling. For example in Austria, cycling and the heart muscles are also weight or obese. It increases phys- lower body leg muscles are used the amount of deaths and injuries have decreased in the same time. As well as saving you money on car represents about 5% of travel with an The MANY positively changed during cycling, ical fitness and also stimulates fat cycling is a great way to tone and fuel and reducing harmful greenhouse average trip length of 2kms. Applying writes Caroline Peppard. Blood metabolism which is so important strengthen muscles. Good For Business: Employers gain as cy- gas emissions associated with car the model shows that the current level pressure is lowered and this is a in weight management. clists arrive to work more refreshed and research shows usage, there are many health benefits of cycling saves 412 lives per year in major benefit since it reduces the Because it is non weight bear- Skin that cyclists take less sick days compared to non-cy- to be had from regular cycling. Your terms of reduced mortality from be- health risk of stroke and heart attack. ing there is much reduced strain on The skin also benefits from this clists. Cycling is good for retail businesses too. “Even risk of developing chronic disease such ing regularly physically active. This Numerous studies have also joints and muscles. For example, activity, due to the increase in in the Netherlands, there are some misconceptions: cy- as heart disease and some cancers is reduced mortality translates to annual shown the beneficial effects on during jogging 2 to 3 times the body blood circulation and the stimula- clists don’t contribute much to the till, so accessibility greatly reduced and regular physical savings of €405 million. blood cholesterol. weight is borne by the hip joint, tion of metabolic processes which by car is very important for shopkeepers,” says the ‘Cy- activity has been proven to promote A frequently cited reason for not benefits A recent large heart health which would represent a massive gives the cyclist a “fresh” and cling in the Netherlands’ report by the Dutch Ministry positive mental health. Recent research cycling is safety. However research study in Copenhagen proved that Good legs: A health benefit of overload for an overweight person. “healthy” complexion. Remember of Infrastructure and Environment. It added: “However, this is not the also shows that doing regular physical from the Netherlands shows that the cycling had a strong health protec- cycling? Image above: Richard to wear sunscreen containing SFP 9case. Cyclists spend less per visit, but they do come more often.” It goes activity improves cognitive function health benefits from cycling are sub- tive function. In this study meas- Masoner (Creative Commons: Mental health 30 when you are cycling since on to say that people cycling from the city area means that scarce parking and achievement in children. The good “At first it might stantially larger than the risks relative urements such as blood pressure, Attribution-ShareAlike); main Cycling has been proven to sunlight and UV rays can come spaces are freed up for the cars of regional visitors. In Dublin, not only news is that many of these benefits are to car driving and increased air pollu- cholesterol and body mass index image and far right: Cian Ginty have a significant relaxing effect, through clouds and reflect off con- does more people cycling free up parking but – more importantly – it immediate and you continue to benefit seem like a tion associated with traffic. were assessed before and after a due to its uniform, cyclic form crete. Cover as much skin as is also frees up road space for those who have little choice but to drive. even after you have stopped cycling. People who switch from car usage cycle to work intervention. Even threatening chronic diseases. In of movement which results in a practical, for example by wearing How much physical activity is rec- to bike usage can expect a nine times after other lifestyle factors were Ireland currently 60% of our fe- harmonious state which leads to a long sleeves and high neck tops Energy use and emissions: ommended for health benefits? For daunting task but increase in life years compared to taken into consideration those male population and 70% of males reduction in stress. After cycling and wear wrap around sunglasses Cycling is the most efficient form of good health the minimum level of losses in life years due to increased air who did not cycle to work had a are overweight or obese which is for about 30 or 40 minutes “happy” with at least 99% UV protection. transport, bar none. It is more efficient physical activity recommended for our when you do it pollution or traffic accidents. Because 39% increase in mortality rate an increase of 8% or 9% over the hormones, or endorphins, begin to than walking – less energy is required children is 60 minutes per day every- cyclists can more easily choose a low compared to those who did. past 40 years. Cycling contributes be released into the bloodstream. Improved immune system to cycle 1km than it is to walk it. Bicy- day and 30 minutes per day on five traffic route this also reduces their risk to weight reduction by burning These hormones have a profound Cycling boosts and stimulates the cles emit no air pollution, and almost no days per week for adults. The activity once or twice it’s of traffic accidents. Weight management energy. effect on mood and brain function. body’s immune system so that it noise pollution. While there are emis- needs to be of moderate intensity. This For information on how you can Rising rates of overweight and A person can expect burn be- This effect continues even after is more resistant to infection and sions in the construction and delivery of means that you need to be breathing a surprising how meet the recommendations on keep- obesity in Ireland are a major tween 600 and 800 calories per the cycling has stopped. attack by bacteria. These effects bicycles, this is tiny compared to the construction and running of cars little bit heavier than normal, feeling ing active see www.getirelandactive.ie. public health concern and can hour cycling depending on fitness continue even after you have and10 public transport vehicles. More cycling also reduces dependency on warmer and feeling your heart beat a Caroline Peppard is a senior health lead to the development of life levels and the amount of effort. Joints and muscles finished your cycle. energy imports so it makes the economy less affected by oil shocks or the little bit faster. easy it is ” promotion officer with the HSE general increasing price of oil. 12 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 FEATURES | 13 Are all “Network doors open for will not cycling?

pen doors’ for cycling was mentioned a lot to us in the process of writing this paper, so we asked ‘OMike McKillen, of the Dublin Cycling Campaign, for his view on how open always the doors really are. McKillen, who is also a member of the cycling campaign umbrella group Cyclists.ie, says when they met Min- ister Alan Kelly recently he told them that ‘cycling was the only game in town in terms of road based transport’. But overall he does not seem too sure about how open every door is to mean a cycling. “Just look at the Smarter Travel unit in the Department of Transport – it’s tiny in relation to the task they face and a lot more needs to go into the Smarter Travel unit. It’s inadequate for the task of getting 10% of all commut- ing journeys nationally to be done by bike by 2020. We’re nowhere near it,” cycle lane” says McKillen. He adds: “The door is not open ful- ly – the chicanery that took place over the cycling officer position [which is Dublin’s cycling network is under review, but what should now gone]. If the door is open to cy- cling that should never of happened, so what went wrong there? And why does we expect? Cian Ginty reports no other local authority or a collection of them not have cycling officer?” McKillen says that’s the measure of ublin has a 20-25% target Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Dart at Booterstown – hopefully start- government commitment to cycling. level for cycling, however Council has just finished public con- ing to design it this year,” says Ger- Munich, with a population equiva- few people expect this to stulation for their local network re- aghty. They are also looking at the larg- lent in size to Dublin, spends “a for- be reached without changes view, and this will feed into what the er routes. The N11 will be upgraded tune on cycling promotion.” Don and off road. NTA is doing. “on a rolling basis” “In Dublin, where people are wed- “For years local authorities have Conor Geraghty, an assistant en- Eoghan Madden, a senior engineer ded to their car, we need to spend had aspirational networks on their gineer with the council, highlights a with Dublin City Council, says that money to convince people to switch. development plans – we want to work greenway project they have worked on with roads in the “middle of town are The doors may be open but unless with them to move from aspirational at the Slang River in south Dublin. He 1,000 plus years old” cycling offers “a “Now we’re at the point where if there’s promotion nothing is going to to reality and to make that reality a says “it was not monumental design” space saver in the city centre.” you take a step back there’s a target of happen,” says McKillen. “To keep peo- prioritised one,” says Michael Aherne but it’s functional and gets people from “It’s probably the handiest way to 10% cycling for the country, so they MAIN OFF-Road ROUTES ple in their cars and to keep people at the National Transport Authority Marley Park to Sandyford” and “nearly get around town, it’s certainly one of are looking to Dublin City to over buying cars the motor industry spends The NTA is to appoint consulta- to Dun Laoghaire without cycling on a the fastest, and the infrastructure is double that – 20-25% -- if we get 25% Light Blue: Sutton to Sandycove / €21m on advertising across all media – tions to report back this year. main road.” less expensive than the corresponding of people it means we go from 7,900 to Dublin Bay that’s the figure from the 2010 Nielsen “It’s really important to get it right,” These were not large scale works, cost for anything to do with motorised 50,000,” he says. ratings.” says Aherne. “If we are going to expect but it included “knocking gaps in transport,” says Madden. “If we are trying to put 50,000 peo- Red: Royal Canal The Irish bicycle industry can’t, he a massive increase in cycling, there walls.” He says they were also looking “At the minute we can take 25,000 ple on what we have already agreed are says, match that kind of spend on ad- has to be an increase in the offer for at passive provision on quiet residen- vehicles per hour into the city centre not optimal conditions crossing the Orange: Quays and the park vertising and marketing, “so the gov- cycling. It has to be better to cycle to tial streets. Using one example he says: and that’s it,” he says, pointing to the bridges on the canals you’re trying to ernment has to match it.” school or work than it is – not all of “It’s a good route to cycle on but you restricted canal crossings into the city, shove a quart into a pint pot, so we’re Yellow: Grand Canal “Sort measures, like convincing the that is around infrastructure.” won’t need cycle lanes or cycle tracks.” most of which they “can’t touch” be- now looking to see other ways at cross- RSA that it needs to implement the He says permeability is key: “The “Into the future we’re looking at cause of their listed status. “If you take ing the canals – we’re at the cross roads Purple: River Dodder 1.5m overtaking rule and teach drivers network won’t always mean putting in a route between the Luas station in cycling as the most effective way to get with that – we’re just starting to do it.” that,” he says. a cycle lane or cycle track. Back streets Windy Arbour, through UCD to the around an urban area within 5 miles – The council is eager to put cycling Black: M50 and Port Tunnel Is a 1.5m passing distance realistic? and opening up permeability is to be there’s a huge potential for cycling. You routes on the Royal and Grand Canal. shown as landmarks only He replies: “It has to be; we will not get used as well as hard infrastructure.” need 3 meters to make a traffic lane – if Design work has been done on some people cycling unless they see drivers Sometimes it’s a matter of opening you had a 3 meter wide cycle lane and sections and other sections are going giving them more space. We need a sea a gate or knocking a wall -- he uses an enough people to populate it would out to tender for further design work. change at the Road Safety Authority – example of a school where people were beat cars in terms of capacity – around Madden said this would be “hope- it still has a from the windscreen view.” “literally next door to the school” but “If you take three times as many people by bike in fully for construction next year. Start- A “beefed up” module on interact- were 18mins away because there was a the same space as cars,” Madden says. ed next year – but not all sections,” and ing with cyclists needs to be included permanently blocked gate. cycling as the “We’re coming to a ‘let’s get serious that the Grand Canal was obviously a in driver training and the RSA needs One of the routes the NTA is push- about this’ stage,” he adds. priority given there’s so little to do to to stop asking cyclists to “dress up like ing forward with is the Dodder River He said the law has changed a lot join up the cycle routes which end at a Christmas tree.” cycle route, from Tallaght to the south most effective since the council put in its first cycle Portobello and Inchicore, with little “More cyclists on the road auto- eastern business district. It’s a “no lane outside the Four Courts 15 years over 4km between them. matically leads to safer roads – stop brainier” he says. “To make it work we way to get around ago. Back then a cycle lane turned the “You’re starting to come up to in- dangerising cycling. The number of not only have to get the route along the “whole road into a 24 hour clearway.” dustrial volumes of cyclists and once fatalities and injuries has come way Dodder to work, but also the access to an urban area “At the very start we had to pro- you start reaching that you’re coming down – that’s because there’s more cy- and from it and the management of it tect the cyclists which were there – so towards a tipping point – somewhere clists everywhere.” works,” he says. “It will take a while to the first focus we had on cycling was we’re going to start looking at dedicat- He said they support the plans go through the planning process.” within 5 miles – ‘where are the cyclists’ and strangely ed cycling routes.” for green routes, including the canals Another they are looking at is Fair- enough they were on the main routes. He describes this as a route where and rivers, but that “We pleaded with view to North Strand and “at least to there’s a huge And the first focus was how we can get a car has to stay behind a bicycle and the minister to stop putting money Talbot street if not down to the river lanes out there to show people there a bicycle would have the right to the into infrastructure – that they have [Liffey]”. He says even before cycle net- are cyclists here – we got that even- lane. “That’s difficult if you only have to concentrate on promotion and work review, the case for these routes potential for tually,” he says. In a clear reference to say 30 cyclists an hour – but if you soft measures. Engineers will always us “robust – no matter which way the quality, or lack of it, he says “You might have bunches of cyclists it can be self want to build infrastructure and look cookie crumbles, we are going to need cycling” not be very happy with the way we got enforcing.” for funding to build it – that’s what these anyway.” it but we got it.” Also see pages 18-19. engineers do.” 14 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN

From city to suburbs

It’s understood that the outstand- sides the advertising market has col- Dublin Bikes have made it in town, but can these city ing issue is the council finalising a deal lapsed – if we were to try to renegotiate with advertising firm JCDecaux, which the original deal now we would not get runs the system. near as a good deal as we got in the first bikes survive in the wild suburbs, Cian Ginty writes Once a deal is brokered he says place,” he says. they’ll closely “monitor the impact” of Asked if a subscription hike will be successful bicycle The plan, the council says, includes to be one of the most successful bike the new phases. In a reference to the needed to cover part of the expansion scheme is where you doubling the number of bike stations schemes in the world and that “The search for alternative models rather cost and if the cost to use it may go up, get two to three trips from 44 to about 100 and trebling the numbers are a phenomenon.” than paying for it by advertising, Ah- but he says that they want to keep it as per bike per day and number of bikes from 550 to around But he cautions that demand will be erne says “It’s all about getting a sus- “low as we possibly can afford, we have on our best days we’re 1,500. After that the city wants to get lower at outer stations as the network tainable model that works.” to balance the price with paying for the heading towards 13 to 5,000 bikes. An ambitious strategy expands into less dense areas. “As we Advertising alone won’t work as the system.” Having a low annual cost, he trips per bike,” says Andrew Mon- aims for the service to expand from as expand we won’t have 13 trips per bike amount of ad space the city would have says, is attractive to occasional users tague,‘A outgoing lord mayor. far as DCU on the northside to close to as you don’t get the same concentra- to give away to finance a city-wide bike who may not re-subscribe if the cost A spokesman for the council UCD on the southside. tion of people in the suburbs – but we sharing system would be too great. was too high. said that for the first phase includ- Montague – a Labour councillor, would expect it to be very high.” “At the moment with our first 500 “Up to now it’s been totally free for ing the Docklands and around Hues- who is seen as one of the main people Michael Aherne, from the National bikes, we’re more than covered with the taxpayer. It has not cost the tax or ton Station they “anticipate that to call for a bike scheme in the first Transport Authority, says “When they advertising but we want ten times rate payer a penny – in fact the council construction will commence before place – says the planned expansion is resolve the issues we want to support more bikes and we can’t have ten times has made money out of it. In the fu- the end of 2012.” just building on what has turned out them.” more advertising in the city and be- ture it won’t be paying its own way so we’re going to have to start looking to the cyclist to pay a little bit more,” says Planned expansion Montague. The Department of Transport has [01] Original area; given half a million for the first part [02] Docklands and the Heuston; of the expansion. “We’re also look- [03] Dolphin’s Barn and the Liber- ing to see if we can get sponsorship,” ties; Montague adds. [4A] Fairview, East Wall, and But is the demand there for an ex- Croke Park; pansion? If the city council manages to [4B] Phibsborough, Cabra, and expand out to the suburbs, Montague Stoneybatter; sees trips into the city centre as only [05] Ballsbridge, Ranelagh, part of the picture. Rathmines; “People will cycle from suburb to [06] Drumcondra, Marino, and suburb so you might cycle from Santry parts of Glasnevin; to Beaumont or from Rathmines to [07] Harold’s Cross; Rathgar. These are unpleasant trips to [08] Ringsend, Irishtown, and do by car because there’s such a short- Sandymount; age of parking spaces and a bit too long [09] Parts of Drimnagh, Inchicore, to walk – but perfect to cycling. Plenty and more of Kilmainham; of people will cycle into town but I’m [10] Donnybrook; interested in local trips,” he says. [11] Further into Rathmines and Almost half of Dublin Bike users Ranelagh, out as far as had never cycled before and a lot of Rathgar and Clonskeagh; users then move onto buying their [12] Areas around Crumlin and own bicycles. Terenure; “I met with one of the city centre [13] Glasnevin east and central; bike shop owners and he said three or [14] DCU and Whitehall. four people cycle into his shop every day on a Dublin Bike and say, ‘I want Source: Dublin City Council to buy something like this’,” says Mon- tague. “And once you get cycling most people really enjoy it.” 16 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 FEATURES | 17 Cycling against traffic [legally]

or stalled Metro, he says the lanes CASE STUDY ONE: SEGREGATED Contra-flow cycle lanes are far from were harder to design than had been expected. “The other thing is they are hard to design. We thought we’d pick new to Dublin, but is it time for the city up the low hanging fruit but none of them are easy. They were much more to provide more of these cycling short- difficult to implement than expected so there has not been much progress to cuts? reports it,” says Montague. Cian Ginty He also rejects the idea that there was political backlash against provid- ing contra-flow for cyclists. “I don’t re- member any political backlash.” Even ven when driving, one- The city council had outlined a plan if there was, he says: “There’s 52 coun- way streets can be very to allow cyclists two-way access to cillors so if two councillors are against frustrating, but most driv- Westmoreland Street, D’Olier Street, it I’m sure a majority would support it.” ers don’t realise just how Moss Street, Leinster Street South, Mike McKillen, spokesman for the much Dublin’s network Nassau Street, the Clarendon Street Dublin Cycling Campaign, says: “I of one-way streets is de- area, St Stephen’s Green, Baggot Street don’t think they fully accept that they signed for the car. Lower, Merrion Row, Leeson Street have to deconstruct one-way streets E“One way streets are not something Upper, Camden Street, Parnell Street, particularly the multi-laned ones.” we’re into doing anymore. They tend to Steven’s Lane, and Watling Street. But “Look at the example of D’Olier and work from a car point of view because nothing has happened since. Westmorland Streets – they’ve known they generate capacity and longer Eoghan Madden says “it’s not off and talked about doing something links for stacking [traffic], but from a the agenda but it kind of went slow” about it for the past four or five years. cyclist’s or pedestrian’s point of view because of planning for Metro North I don’t there’s any willingness so far – they are not great,” says Eoghan Mad- and Luas, but he says there should be there’s talk about it, but just get on with den, a senior engineer at Dublin City a priority attached to implementing it,” he says Council. contra-flow lanes. He adds: “I think they are terrified Dublin’s one-way system is exten- “It is something that we should at- to do anything which might have a sive in the city centre area inside the tach a priority to just plainly because knock-on affect on the quays” canals - see the map left, showing just it is perfectly obvious,” says Madden. Another major problem with talk- CASE STUDY TWO: ENTRY ONLY the multi-laned one-way streets. It’s “It’s not obvious unless you’re on a ing about changing one-way streets is nearly the flip opposite of the Dutch bike but becomes perfectly obvious that some people see it as contentious- model. once you are on Parnell Square and ly providing for lawbreakers, rather Our roads were made one-way for you go up the hill only to come down than seeing it as providing for every- capacity to the benefit of motorists and the other side again.” body including children and cyclists at a cost to everybody else – cyclists Traffic and transport officials in carrying children who prefer to avoid who have to live with detours, bus us- Dublin have mixed opinions. Michael dual-carriageway like conditions. ers who have disconnected in and out- Aherne from the National Transport Allowing cyclists to avoid such un- bound bus stops, and the people living Authority is supportive at looking at friendly conditions was exactly what on and round what amount to very ur- the issue but seems less convinced. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County ban sections of dual carriageways. “Contra-flow cycling is something Council was doing when it recently Cycling friendly Dutch cities de- we are looking at with the city coun- provided a segregated contra-flow only sign central areas much differently. cil,” says Aherne. “The first question is cycle path between Blackrock Village Cyclists get direct routes. City centres do we still need the one-way street, do and Dun Laoghaire. are designed on the principle that cars we actually need the one-way system?” The Sunday Independent however are pushed away from But when it comes to con- billed it as “Cyclists who illegally went the centre and tra-flow on narrow streets the wrong way up a suburban road the one-way without separation, he says: have got their own way – at a cost of systems gen- “We just were not ready to €150,000 to the taxpayer.” erally only go there” when designing the The paper highlighted the mention apply to mo- authority’s cycle manual, and by the council of the “high numbers torised traffic. he says: “It could be a periph- of cyclists currently cycling illegally In a way, eral… We do have to get our along” the road. This however was a the system priorities right.” footnote in the council’s consultation of using the Andrew Montague, the Above images clockwise from it in the past and we’re lobbying for it backed by legal measures – it’s under report, which mainly highlighted how extra capac- outgoing lord mayor and top: Contra-flow in Paris, a again,” he says. the provisions where local authorities the lane was part of a route serving ity is nearly Labour councillor, says the recently built track in Blackrock, Montague adds: “The results else- can make a street or one side of a street Booterstown, Blackrock, Monkstown, ingenious in law needs to be changed. and a map of Dublin’s multi- where show it’s safe and I’d like to see no-entry except, for example, buses, “It can be one of Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey and how allowing the “On narrow one-way streets laned one-way streets. Far right: it implemented here.” But you don’t cyclists, or motorcyclists. there is a catchment of thousands of city to hold more cars than it in Belgium and France the research Blackrock again; a cyclist-only have to look elsewhere. There’s at least Meanwhile, Parnell Street east- school children, students, workers and CASE STUDY THREE: SIGNS ONLY should be able to. But it fails shows that making them two-way for entry treatment to Usher’s Quay; two examples of this type of contra bound stands as a classical example of residents within just 500m of the route. because Dublin is too often cyclists makes them safer for cyclists. and just enter in Phibsborough. flow working for cyclists right here in a long detour around the one-way sys- the cheapest ways The stark cost also included a bus so close to capacity for cars I’d like to see on narrow, one-lane one- Images: Cian Ginty Dublin – one in Phibsborough and the tems just to progress a short distance, stop upgrade and as much new foot- that it leads to too much un- way streets that it would be legal for other in Terenure. These are not trials, just 100m in this case. Cyclists are sent path as new cycle path. predictability when a little cyclists to go both ways. But that’s not but examples which have already stood uphill on more than a half a kilome- “I think all the difficulties were be- extra traffic or an event can a decision for the council, it’s a deci- the test of time and are now more than tre detour around the wide, multi-lane of making the city’s fore the work and the consultation and cause gridlock for half the city sion for government – we lobbied for a few years old. These examples are one-way system on Parnell Square. For before getting agreement,” says Conor centre. cyclists it disrupts east-west flow as Geraghty, an assistant engineer with If you live, work or study well as access to O’Connell Street. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County on or near a one-way street, it Because of the Luas and Henry network of one-way Council. could mean a long detour or, Street, which is pedestrianised, there “But once it was put in it has been like in many cases in Dublin, WHat is contra-flow? is no east-west alternative south of very well received – the gardai are very it means being forced to cross this point for over a kilometre and, happy with it. Consultation is always a many lanes of sometimes fast even then, the quays is that alternative streets friendly to big part of the process.” moving traffic. Contra-flow basically means going provided within a contra-flow bus which is seen as one of the most hostile The consultation report for the Other European cities against the flow. lane. The use of contra-flow is place for cyclists in the city centre. project also includes some interesting such as Brussels, Paris, Berlin In the context of cycling it in- a popular means in many Euro- Here and elsewhere in the city cen- comments from a resident who had at and to a lesser extent London cludes a range of means of legally pean cities of retrofitting the road tre the council has assigned the blame cyclists” first objected. have been progressive on the allowing cyclists to go both ways network to make it cycling friendly to the Railway Procurement Agency He wrote: “Thanks for that reassur- issue while Dublin has stalled. on otherwise one-way streets – and making cycling more attrac- which had been planning Metro North ance, seems one of our local council- The latest edition of a re- the methods of doing this ranges tive to more people. and still is planning the cross-city lors went off half cocked and misin- port on cycling conditions, from putting up little more than The lanes allow cyclists to Luas BXD line. Montague says: “We formed us as to the detail.” published every five years, signs on small residential streets bypass long detours, and often are kept running into the same problem Some of the older designs could be says there has been little or no to providing fully segregated, also designed to give cyclists an -- ‘Luas is coming, leave it for the mo- better – and the city is in the process of progress on one-way streets off-road cycle tracks. A contra- alternative to larger and more ment’ we were told.” fixing a number of these – but overall and major junctions (see flow cycle lane is also sometimes heavily trafficked roads. When asked about the contra-flow contra-flow seems to work in making news, page 3). lanes far away from the planned Luas cycling that bit more attractive. 18 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 FEATURES | 19 Why what Will Dublin women become want is so important Julian Ferguson speaks to John a city of Pucher, author of a major new cycling book

hy is that that some seniors, and all persons who are risk countries see more averse or especially vulnerable to traf- women cycling than fic dangers. The Netherlands, with the men? “Even today, world’s safest cycling, is portrayed as Wwomen tend to cycle a lot less than the model of what needs to be done to men in most countries. For exam- get everyone on bikes for all trip pur- women on ple, women’s cycling levels are only poses. about a third as high as for men in With 56% of all bike trips by wom- North America and Australia,” says en, the Dutch certainly pass the ‘indi- Professor John Pucher, whose new cator species’ test of successful cycling book, ‘City Cycling’, dedicates a chap- policies. So, what do the Dutch do that ter to cycling and women. makes cycling so safe, convenient, and He says, “It only makes sense that comfortable so that virtually everyone a chapter about women and cycling in the Netherlands rides a bike? should be written by women, and the “The short answer is that the Dutch wheels? authors of this chapter are the world’s do everything,” he says. Indeed, the leading experts on the topic: Jan Gar- Dutch provide a fully integrated pack- rard, Susan Handy, and Jennifer Dill.” age of infrastructure, policies, and pro- “Perhaps the most important find- grams to promote cycling. A new group is aiming to do their bit to address the cycling ing of their analysis is that women are The authors highlight two aspects an ‘indicator species’ when it comes to of the Dutch pro-bike package: cycling,” Pucher explains. gender imbalance, member Bebhinn Hare explains In cities where a high percentage • Superbly designed cycling of bike trips are by women, overall infrastructure physically sepa- rates of cycling are high, and cycling rates cyclists from motor vehicles conditions are safe, convenient, and on arterial roads and provides t takes passionate women to certain way, wear skirts, make up etc... whole year after registering. The per- comfortable. Where few women cycle, priority crossing at intersections, make a difference, and Dublin all things that are a bit prohibitive on ception of cycling as an unsafe activity overall rates of cycling are low, and cy- while traffic-calming of residential is full of them. So when one the bike, and issues blokes don’t have is rife and WOW feel that much of this cling conditions are unsafe, inconven- neighborhoods (30km/h speed bike activist and social entre- to deal with” says Heather Boyle, an- fear can be allayed through knowledge ient, uncomfortable, and sometimes limits), in effect, turns local streets preneur learned of the massive other WOW member and coordinator and support. outright impossible. Thus, the authors into bikeways. gender disparity of cyclists in in Cycling Ireland. WOW’s Cycle Bus, arranged group suggest that the percentage of women this country, she put out the call. WOW is facing this head on, with cycles along major commuting routes, cyclists is a key indicator of the success • Rigorous training and testing IAll of us who hold a major crush on a basket load of positive initiatives and hopes to at least offer a chance to over- of cycling. is required of both cyclists and our bicycle can understand why there inclusive social events on the way. come the less than welcoming condi- “In short, the best way to raise over- motorists, and traffic regulations was such a great response to bicycle Safety fears also come up time and tions through the power of numbers. all cycling levels is to get more women are strictly enforced for everyone. campaigner Anne Bedos’s plan to cre- again as a reason not to cycle, with “It will really give women a chance to cycling. And that is the heart of this In addition, motorists are legally ate Wow (Women on Wheels). This many women too apprehensive to try cycling to work along with some- chapter,” says Pucher. responsible for any crash with a new, informal Dublin-based group make the change. One WOW lady one who is more experienced and the As it turns out, the cyclist, thus putting motorists on is focused on getting more women shared her friend’s story of still being companionship alone I think will get biggest obstacle to the defensive and forcing them to choosing bike over car. With a nearly too scared to try a Dublin Bike, one women out giving it a go,” says WOW’s more women cycling pay special attention to avoiding 80:20, male/female split, something Lisa Cavern. is their fear of traffic the endangerment of cyclists. had to be done. The present cycling climate chal- danger, and that is “Anne told me the figures and I lenges the average woman throughout also the main factor “It is the combination of superb thought, we can only improve on that” all stages of her life. In her teenage Excuses, excuses. We’ve heard Angelique chose a foldable discouraging chil- cycling facilities and responsible, con- says WOW’s Angelique Brunell, en- years, at a time when the urge to con- them all. Wow members give their bike, not for talking on the train but dren and seniors siderate motorist behavior toward capsulating the positivity of this “baby form is at its peak, the chance of her Hop tips to get on the saddle. to combat her tendency to leave from cycling as cyclists that explains why cycling organisation”. cycling drops to near zero. her old bike at home instead of well. Thus, im- is safer in the Netherlands than in Made up of one-time professional Image pressures on the young Don’t be a wallflower dragging it up from the basement proving cycling any other country in the world,” cyclists, bike-shop owners, ex-cou- professional pile on and are followed on the All Wows have something positive every morning. safety is the explains Pucher. riers, fixie fans and loads of average by the struggle against a lack of suit- to say about how motorists’ atti- “It waits for me in the hall, I un- key to in- “And that, in turn, helps ex- commuters, this informal group wants able routes and facilities for mothers tudes towards cyclists are improv- fold it while I wait for the lift and 77/23 creasing plain why so many Dutch women, nothing more than to share its bike of young children. At what point is a ing in Dublin (yes, really) but you then go down and when I go into cycling children, and seniors get around by love and get more women on wheels . woman supposed to see cycling as the saddle still need to make yourself known the office, I just wait for my lift, fold by wom- bike.” Pucher’s message is clear: if you During the inaugural meeting, “Women on better option? to traffic for your own sake. it and I’m in.” Genius! en, chil- want to get a city cycling, you’ve got WOW distilled some main themes as This is a good time to look for an Lisa says: “The one thing dren, to focus on women. focus for its campaigning, including answer. The Dublin Cycling Cam- that helped me most when I was It’s not a race! a n d Julian Ferguson is the press officer of infrastructure, image and fear. Wheels is a paign, headed by its first female chair- beginning to cycle in Dublin was to If you need to get to the office the European Cyclists’ Federation, Anne herself feels that infrastruc- person, Muireann O’Dea, is giving this constantly remember to take the looking/smelling presentable the find out more at ecf.com. ture is the main reason that women are new informal issue a deserved focus in its Bike Week lane when you need it and not al- Wows will tell you their biggest se- not cycling: “Proximity to traffic, pot- conference, ‘Growing Cycling Partici- low yourself to ride in the gutter. cret, slow down, shhhhh, don’t tell is the male/female split of holes, very bad conditions where you pation and Closing the Gender Gap’. Just a half metre from the kerb is anyone. A top tip from the experts can’t bring your kids, you can’t do your group focused In the mean time, Wow are going to enough often to be in a safe place”. that doesn’t cost you anything and commuter cyclists nationally in shopping or any of these things that keep doing their thing and they want actually works. women traditionally did and still do”. you to be a part of it: “Join WOW, One size does not fit all Mother and daughter Wow’s 2006; the census data for 2011 Traditional roles remain a defining on getting come to us and we’ll get you learning Each Wow will tell you that you Nicky and Georgia Scott agree and factor for many women making trans- how to cycle with assertiveness, how have to choose your bike their advice is super simple “Leave port choices, including the old doozy, to maintain your own bike, how to get according to your lifestyle and a little bit earlier and cycle at a is due at the end of this year. In “How do I look?” more women friends who can cycle with you and to activity level. slower pace, enjoy it!” “For women the image thing is huge overcome your fear.” WOW is calling, the Netherlands 56% of bike trips - it is a problem in society that women will you listen? in professional jobs are often believed cycling” You can find Wow online at are made by women. to have to look a certain way, and act a www.womenonwheels.ie. 20 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN CYCLING IN DUBLIN SUMMER 2012 FEATURES | 21

1. Try before you buy quickly to other road users’ move- It may seem obvious, but take any ments. Finding a quiet street or Quick-fire bike you like the look of for a test park where you won’t feel under A beginner’s tale: spin before you commit to buying. pressure to perform will help to Consider too all possible uses build confidence. Guide for for it – if you think you’re only going to use it occasionally then 4. Invest in essentials you might not feel like investing While the weather in Dublin is not beginners’ that much but it would be a pity to as hideous as it may seem, and discover 12 months down the line most of the time you can be quite when you’re cycling daily that you lucky and miss a downpour if it need a trade in. does happen to be raining, it’s good to have some wetgear to Wobbling 2. Find a friend hand, just in case. It’s not essential, but heading out You’ll be pleasantly surprised those first few times with someone by how little you need it, but glad who knows what they’re doing can it’s there when you do. be a big confidence booster, not to mention good fun. 5. Learn the basics Cycling may seem like a solo You don’t need to carry a full sport but it is really enjoyable with maintenance kit each time you to work a partner so even going out with head out on the road but it’s good someone who is not that experi- to know how to fix simple prob- enced could do you the world of lems like your chain coming off. Convert on her 14km commute good when you’re starting off. It can make the difference Leah Murray between getting to work on time 3. Practice makes perfect or having to abandon your bike for ’m not really sure why I start- hearted car thief put a stop to that. He You wouldn’t get behind the wheel the bus. Tip: keep a pair of dispos- ed cycling. Maybe there was a did me a favour, really. While it took of a car and expect to drive to able gloves in your handbag or vague remembrance of child- a few months for total dependence on work on your first go, so don’t backpack to avoid an oily mess. hood enjoyment or passing cy- the bicycle to kick in, I’d moved far- think a bike should be different. clists subconsciously called out ther away from my job. The journey to Take the time to learn how to 6. Preparation is key to me, but three years ago I got work that had seemed so long by bicy- safely manoeuvre, make sure you If you can leave a few changes of a notion to ditch my car and start cy- “I still drove cle had now doubled, and there were can look behind without veering clothes at the office at the start of clingI to work and college. It didn’t hap- extra hills thrown in for good measure. wildly, and get your hand signal- your week, then you’ll have even pen overnight, but here I am, pedalling But as the bus stop was a good walk ling sorted. It’ll stand to you when less to think of before heading out a 28 kilometres roundtrip three times away, cycling was now the faster and you’re in traffic and have to react the door in the mornings. a week. And for the most part, I love it. most of the more direct option. The first time I cycled was in the When I started commuting fre- Phoenix Park with an experienced time but a quently, I was glad I’d had practice. I only accident I’ve had in three years. there’s an unfortunate phase. Other lights. But when a car or bus goes hur- had a plaque on hand that says: “I’m a can be tarred as red light runners, not wouldn’t otherwise get, and know- I never wanted to be one of those cycling friend who watched me had the confidence to interact with My commute begins on the North Cir- annoyances are finding cars randomly tling past you at the aforementioned wife/mother/sister/daughter, trying to all drivers can be painted as intolerant ing that my journey was worthwhile cycling pushers, who cajoles everyone wobble and provided pointers. In the traffic and knew my bike well. I didn’t cular Road on busy streets with heavy blocking cycle lanes and having to 80km/h quite closely, it can be intimi- get home/to work, who just happens to and impatient. The majority are fine. because it doubled as my exercise for they meet into giving it a go. When beginning, I cycled just the 10-15 min- kind-hearted realise how important this is until I fell traffic before heading out toward the use poor cycle paths in the first place dating. Sometimes you realise how be on a bike”, to get aggressors to see On the whole, I love cycling. I love the day. I hear someone despairing though, utes into college and into town. The off a borrowed bike after breaking too suburbs with cars enjoying 80km/h - ones which expect you to magically vulnerable you are. Fortunately most I’m a person rather than just a cyclist. the feeling of the wind whooshing by I think I’ve shown my colleagues by about the cost of petrol, or not having first time I ventured out to my job in hard at the bottom of a hill. The tighter speed limits. Both stages can be both pass through solid objects like bus drivers give a wide berth. On occasion I’ve felt like never get- me on the way down a large hill that I arriving into work in one piece each the opportunity to exercise, or waiting Swords, that same friend came with car thief put a breaks on my heavier bike would have pleasant and unsettling. stops or end abruptly, dumping you There is the odd driver that makes ting on a bike again because driver pushed myself up. time that it’s not too dangerous or dif- on buses, I occasionally pipe up with, me for a test run. accommodated the sudden stop – the It’s nice to sail along the inside of into oncoming traffic. me question human decency some- behaviour has annoyed me so much or I love the consistent journey times ficult and I’ve reassured my initially “why not cycle?” Because that is the Although I’d cycle to work occa- light bike I was on buckled under the cars and buses in town when they’re On the open road toward the air- times. I don’t know when it became genuinely frightened me. But thank- and the occasional sense of achieve- wary family of how safe and enjoyable one thing I would really like to change sionally, I still drove most of the time, stop to that” weighty panniers and went from un- not moving but frustrating to get port is a great cycle. There’s no worry acceptable to scream at or threaten fully, these incidents aren’t non-stop. ment when a few minutes are shaved it is, to the point where they’re envious about cycling – I wish there were more thinking the journey too long. A kind- der me. It’s worth noting that this is the caught at traffic lights frequently when about slowing down and few traffic others in the street.Sometimes I wish I In the same way that not all cyclists off. I love the time to myself that I of my cycling life. of us doing it. r Square Wheel e Cycleworks p In Temple Bar for more than thirTy years • Bicycle repair specialist • Full range of lights, locks, baskets a • Spares and accessories • Trailers and load carrying bicycles • Ireland’s only subterranean bike shop i • Recumbents r 21 Temple Lane South, D2 (near the Button Factory) s 086 0814417 - [email protected] Open 10.30am to 6.30 Monday to Friday and most Saturdays 22 | FEATURES SUMMER 2012 CYCLING IN DUBLIN Cargo bikes may look a bit strange but these useful bikes are becoming more common, Cian Ginty reports

common sight in the Netherlands and Den- mark, large cargo bikes are starting to turn heads in Dublin. “It’s in its infancy and there’s only a couple of us who sell Athem. But the more that the bikes get seen, the more normal they become and then the more popular they be- come,” says Astrid Fitzpatrick, who runs Dutchbikeshop.ie with her hus- band Frank. “I’ve already sold more this year so-far than all of last year,” she says. While there’s still only small num- bers. Cargo bikes are essential load-carrying bicycles used mostly to t r a n s p o r t children The urban SUV and shop- ping, and used by busi- nesses for deliv- eries. The Dutch Bike Shop sells a two and three of bicycles wheeled ver- sion Dutch b r a n d as cycling a regular bike? “In the at home,” adds Emma. transported in the bike. She says: “I Babboe, beginning it took a bit of getting Caitriona Walsh, who also uses think they get a kick out of the fact while Bear used to, because unlike a two a Bear-branded two-wheeler in her that no other kid in the area has one, Bicycles wheel bike you can really feel business Little Green Fingers, an out- they like that the kids in their school at Green- how uneven the road is, but your door childminding service for under all want to go in it and if they invite aer, based body adjusts to it after a while,” preschoolers in Malahide, says she a friend home on a play date the first off Pearse says Astrid. “It’s not made for finds the bike easy to use. thing they ask is ‘can we go home on Street, sell speeding, but when you have “I find it easy to cycle – it’s differ- the bike?’” two-wheeled such a precious load as kids ent, but I find it easy. I really like it and What about Irish drivers? Emma bikes from on board you don’t want to would highly recommend it. The first says: “The bike is nearly three meters another Dutch go too fast.” time you sit on it you say ‘I’ll never be long, so on a couple of occasions I’ve brand Bakfiets.nl. Most people who have able to do this’ but within seconds you had people trying to overtake as I’m One cargo bike that can often bought it from her have get it. It’s so smooth and well built. It’s going around the corner not realis- be seen in Dublin City Centre is the been using it on a daily ba- better than buying a buggy.” she says. ing that, but I have not had any near ‘Bullitt’ by Danish bike builders Larry sis as a car or second car With Little Green Fingers she most- misses or anything like that.” vs Harry, which is used by bicycle cou- replacement. “They make ly cycles around parks. She lives close She says they had looked at a trailer riers. It’s the racing bike of cargo bike a well informed decision to the grounds of Malahide Castle. for a normal bike but went with the world – it was built to be the fastest before spending money on a “I trained as a Montessori teacher cargo bike because the children are so and has forward leaning user position cargo bike, it’s not a cheap purchase,” and do some Montessori work with low down in a trailer and with their compared to the others which hold the she says. the children but we also go outdoors, bike the children are strapped in and in typical upright Dutch cyclist position. Emma Tierney, who lives in Black- identifying wildlife and flowers. We go front – so you can see what is going on. However Larry vs Harry no longer has rock, owns a two-wheeler from Bear to the beaches and parks. The children It has proven handy for shopping, an Irish dealer listed on its website. “It’s not as big Bicycles. “I’ve three kids who are 7, 6, really like it – the uniqueness of the she says: “I used it at Christmas when The bicycles used by An Post are a and 3 years old – I take them to school business is that we get outside and they the car parks were jammers – I did my small type of cargo bike, although the in it and shopping. It’s fantastic, it’s love going on the bike” says Caitriona. Christmas Day food shopping on the difference between it and an average as a car boot paid for its usefulness at this stage,” Emma also says her children love bike. It’s not as big as a car boot but a bicycle is far less striking. she says. getting week’s shopping for five will handily fit The Fitzparticks use one of a Bab- She says you need to be fit enough in it – what more do you want?” boe three-wheeled cargo bike to taxi but a week’s but the bikes are not a massive leap Rain/wind covers – or ‘tents’ as the their three children around Lucan, in from normal bicycles. makers call them – are available as west Dublin. shopping for “You do have to have a certain an extra. There’s a trade off between Astrid, who is originally from Am- level of fitness, especially go- keeping your children fully covered sterdam, sees the bicycle as a second ing up hills, but you get and adding extra wind resistance. The car. She says: “It’s dead handy – I hard- five will handily fit from being on it. For more agile two-wheeled bikes have ly every use the car anymore. I bring anybody who cycles an pushed cargo bike sales worldwide, them to school in it, they have a roof ordinary bicycle, it would but the two or three wheel choice is a over them if it’s raining, and I’ve often fit in it – what not be a massive leap to a personal one based on needs and style. been seen cycling with the three kids cargo bike.” Dublin City Council were look- in the box up to their necks with gro- more do you “The only thing is the ing at electrical assisted cargo bikes cery shopping. It’s like my second car.” kids are getting a little bit to keep deliveries running smoothly “I’ve on occasion cycled from Lu- big and I live on the top of a to city centre business while the now can to Howth and back,” she adds. want?” hill and on days that are very stalled Metro North and other projects But are these bulky things as easy windy or wet I tend to leave it were underway. BackCoverCID_ol.pdf 1 13/06/2012 13:05